Alesha Dixon quits Strictly Come Dancing for Britain’s Got Talent

Alesha Dixon has confirmed she will not return to the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2012, instead beginning a new role as a Britain’s Got Talent judge alongside
Simon Cowell,
David Walliams and
Amanda Holden.

Alesha Dixon is to step down from the Strictly Come Dancing judging panel. (Picture: BBC)

Dixon spent three years on the Strictly Come Dancing judging panel after winning the talent competition herself as a competitor.

There was initial controversy surrounding her appointment after popular judge Arlene Phillips was axed, but Dixon was soon accepted as a permanent fixture alongside fellow judges Len Goodman , Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli.

Alesha said in a statement: ‘After 3 incredible years on the Strictly come dancing Judging Panel I have decided that it is time to move on.

‘Strictly Come Dancing will always hold a special place in my heart as it has been such an amazing experience, both as a winning competitor and as a judge.

The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special saw Alesha Dixon’s last appearance on the show. (Picture: BBC)

‘I would like to say a big thank you to everyone involved in the show, the production team, my fellow judges, and a very special thank you to the fans for their support.’

Dixon will now make a move to ITV, judging on Syco’s talent contest Britain’s Got Talent.

Confirming the news on her website, along with the identity of the rest of the new judges, she said: ‘Alesha has decided not to return to Strictly Come Dancing after a successful three-series run and will instead be joining the Britain’s Got Talent panel, alongside Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and David Walliams.’

A spokesperson for the BBC said: ‘Alesha has had three very successful series and we wish her well for the future.’The BBC gave her a fantastic opportunity and she has really grown her career and she is now off for a different challenge.’We are now looking forward to announcing our new panel in due course.’